Cover Image: Millstone of Doubt

Millstone of Doubt

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Member Reviews

The second installment of this exciting series delved deeper into Lady Juliette and detective Daniel Swann. This story had a theme of identity, and discovering, as you do as you grow into young adulthood, both a little more about your family and about who you are, and deciding who you want to be. The mystery in this book was so intriguing, and kept me guessing. I enjoyed seeing Juliette and Daniel continue to grow in their feelings for each other, and the challenges that presented. This author did such a wonderful job of creating deep characters- seeing their heart for solving mysteries and finding justice for others, and seeing how they grappled with deceptions that were sometimes part of their professions. I loved the digging into who we are, and how our professions and aspects of our lives contribute to our identity. I also thoroughly enjoyed how the author closed out this series. Finding out the answers to questions, as well as, an ending for our two friends, was done so well!
I would highly recommend this series, and this author!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

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If you're looking for a proper, clean, fun historical romance, you'll enjoy Millstone of Doubt.

I did not read the first book in this series, and had no trouble following the plot, so if you're like me and coming in at book 2, don't fear!

Lady Juliette is making her debut this Season, and is thrilled to be in the same place as her parents for once. Her parents (the Earl and Countess of Thorndike) work for the Crown as spies, and Juliette is being trained to join them. But she is also expected to operate in England's high society, and appear to care about nothing more than dresses and flowers and frivolities. But before she can really enjoy being with her family, her parents are sent away again on another mission, and she is left with her uncle, Sir Bertrand, to guide her through the Season.

Daniel is a policeman with the Bow Street Runners, but also works with the same spy organization as Juliette and her family. Daniel was born poor, but has a mysterious benefactor who has sent him to school and set him up in life so he could pursue his dreams. However, that arrangement ends soon, on his 25th birthday, and he is not sure he'll be able to continue to be a policeman, or live in his current dwellings, once the support is gone. However, it also means he won't get summons to run strange errands or attend a society event, which he looks forward to (even if that means seeing Lady Juliette less).

Juliette's best friend, Agatha, has just lost her father to an explosion at his mill. There had been stirrings of rebellion at the mill because he was planning on installing machinery that would take jobs away from men. The anarchists are blamed for the blast, but Daniel, investigating the crime, isn't sure, especially when he finds him with a bullet in his head.

This novel has an interesting mystery to solve, as well as a very proper romance. Two men are interested in Lady Juliette, and what I liked about this love triangle is that both men are good and honorable people. It is nice when one is not secretly (or not-so-secretly) a cad or an abuser! I also love that Juliette's family isn't forcing her into a certain marriage or role in the world, but rather celebrating the fact that women can be excellent spies and can choose with whom they associate.

Thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy of this book!

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Erica Vetsch is a "new to me" author. Millstone of Doubt is the first book that I have read of hers and it won't be the last. I look forward to reading the first book in the series The Debutante's Code. I could understand and keep up without reading the first, but I could tell I was missing important information and character development.

Lady Juliette Thorndike was born into a family of spies for the crown. Her uncle is her mentor and superior in the art of deception. Juliette is pulled into a case when her dearest friend's father is murdered. Her sidekick and love interest, Daniel Swann, is trying to unravel the clues and find the murderer. There are many suspects and I loved traveling with the characters, trying to figure out who the villain was. The suspects range from Luddites, and con artists, up to members of the aristocracy. The story is non-stop action from the first to the last page.

This story "keeps you on your toes" and turning pages. I am very grateful for the opportunity to read this book.

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

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After reading The Debutante’s Code, I was anxiously waiting for this book! I love Erica Vetsch’s writing style and how she weaves different genres together. The suspense and mystery aspect of the book was well done and it did keep me wondering all the way to the end. I was glad for the dual POV as I got to see both Juliette and Daniel’s growth and personal thoughts. In the first book my favorite character was Bertie and that did not change in this book. He was not as heavily involved in this book, but he still remains my favorite.

The mystery behind Daniel’s parentage was not much of a surprise. I had kind of guessed who it was from almost the beginning. Still, one of my favorite parts of the book was Ed’s talk with Daniel about fatherhood. “Don’t blame God for the shortcomings of men.” That hit hard!! Another favorite One of my favorite was Daniel asking for patience and then instantly regretting it. “Though why he asked, he didn’t know. Every time he prayed for patience, God sent something for Daniel to have to be patient about.” I loved it!!

I felt like the ending was a bit rushed. There was a lot of buildup throughout the book for everything to be resolved in about 2 or 3 chapters. I wish there had been more connections between Montgomery’s death and the spy network. The signs were all there. The mystery behind Montgomery’s death was interesting but it would’ve made it 10 times better if there was a connection the spy network. As for characters, I did not like Agatha much. The way I read her, she felt like a bit of an air head. And aside from being the daughter of the victim, she didn’t provide much in the way of the story. I wish I had gotten some glimpse into Daniel’s mom story and Alonzo’s feelings.

Overall, it was a great read. It had all the fun elements that make a book enjoyable! It made laugh, it made me tear up a bit in places, and the mystery kept me going until the end. I only wish to have gotten the answers to what Daniel was going to do once he found out the truth.

I received a complimentary e-book from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

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4.5 stars

Ohhhhhhhhhh pardon me a moment to continue swooning over the delicious bits of romance we’re treated to in Millstone of Doubt, the latest Thorndike & Swann Regency Mystery from Erica Vetsch. The sparks & suppressed feelings between Lady Juliette and Bow Street Runner Daniel Swann ramp up in this installment, and I could not be happier about it. Add in an undercover first kiss that had me reaching for my hypothetical fainting couch (I really do need to get one of those) … and then a pivotal moment between them as this particular story winds to a close … and I’m grinning like a besotted fool! -blissful sigh-

But I digress. There’s a lot more to this story besides just kissing and making my romantic-leaning heart happy. Much intrigue abounds – from a mysterious mill explosion to more than one murder to a brewing uprising from Luddites & anarchists, Juliette, Uncle Bertrand, and Daniel have their hands full. While perhaps not quite a mission for the Crown, the murder of Juliette’s best friend’s father certainly warrants her assistance, along with Uncle Bertie’s, as Daniel works in his Bow Street role to solve the case. As bodies pile up – including some very harrowing moments where our beloved characters almost joined them – time is of the essence, and I appreciated the way the author paced the plot and action to move the story along at the right moments. The mysteries in this book are cleverly spun, and the recurring characters are fabulously layered and lovable. We also get some answers we’ve been wondering about since The Debutante’s Code but it’s not necessary to have read that before Millstone of Doubt. Recommended but not strictly required.

Bottom Line: Millstone of Doubt is another smile-inducing, breath-stealing, and attention-capturing book by Erica Vetsch. It quickly wrapped me up in its charm and intrigue, and I am smarter about history after finishing it than I was before I started. A sweet faith thread is tucked into the pages naturally and will touch many hearts with a look at the goodness of God that rings true even when we can’t see it. All the while readers are delightfully immersed in the time period and indulging in such marvelous words as “perspicacious” and “toxophilite”. This is truly a story to curl up with and savor as an entire reading experience. Oh – and hang on to your bonnets – because there’s a stunning plot twist that will affect the rest of the series and you’ll need a moment to catch your breath. I didn’t see it coming but it made brilliant, perfect sense when it did. You’ll love it!

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Award-winning author Erica Vetsch continues her Regency mystery series filled with interesting characters and historical details set in 1816 England.

In Millstone of Doubt, Lady Juliette Thorndicke and detective Daniel Swann team up to solve the murder of a local mill owner (and father to Julia’s best friend) following an explosion at the mill. Only the mill owner was shot, not killed by the blast. Can they uncover the truth while tensions rise and there are several motives for his death?

Known for her historically accurate Regency romances, Vetsch returns with another detective story featuring the debutante Juliette and detective Daniel, filling the book with traditional mystery elements - red herrings, intrigue, and secrets. Millstone of Doubt, like her earlier mystery, is filled with faith elements (especially the theme of God as our Father), plot twists, a touch of humor, and a clean relationship between Daniel and Julliette (with the focus more on the mystery than a romance).

Daniel is nearing his 25th birthday when he hopes his questions will be answered about his mysterious patron. The mill owner’s murder helps to distract him him as he investigates suspects. Meanwhile Juliette improves her skills as an agent of the Crown, following in the steps of her parents.

Readers will be delighted at the reappearance of Marcus and Charlotte, from The Gentleman Spy, as well as several characters from the first book in this series, The Debutante’s Code.
Watch for the third book, Children of Shadow, coming in 2023.

Recommended for public libraries and high school readers. Fans of Kristi Hunter, Sarah Ladd, Julie Klassen, and Roseanna White’s The Codebreakers series will enjoy this new series by Vetsch.

Disclaimer: Book reviews are my honest opinion of books I either purchased or received free of cost from the publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write reviews, nor to even post positive reviews

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After the success of his previous case, Bow Street Runner Daniel Swann is anxious to prove himself again before his guardianship comes to an end on his twenty-fifth birthday. It is with his anonymous patron's support that Daniel is a Bow Street Runner. Without it, and given his rocky relationship with his superior, he assumes that when it ends he will no longer be welcome at Bow Street. Not only will he have to find new employment, but also new accommodation as his financial position will drastically change.

When Graham Montgomery is found murdered in his own mill after an explosion believed to be the work of anarchists, Daniel, being the first investigator on the scene and present when the blast occurred, asks for the case. It is assigned to him, as is the assistance of Owen Wilkinson, the office boy who is eager to take Daniel's place as an investigator and just as eager to see Daniel fail.

With his birthday fast approaching, the deadline by which he has to solve the case, Daniel feels the pressure and while he is diligent in his duties, his thoughts often turn to Lady Juliette Thorndike. Although he manages to contain his feelings for Juliette knowing that their difference in social status precludes any romantic entanglement, his resolve is tested as their paths frequently cross in the course of his investigation and their shared training as spies for the Crown. Juliette is ordered to stay out of the investigation, but being the closest friend of Agatha Montgomery, the murder victim's daughter, at times her help is invaluable. While Daniel is aware that his friend, Heinrich von Lowe, a German duke, also has feelings for Juliette, he is not sure if Juliette reciprocates.

As the investigation proceeds, aspects of Montgomery's life previously unknown to those closest to him come to light, lengthening the suspect list which already includes anarchists, employees, jealous husbands and business rivals. When another murder occurs, and an attempt is made on Daniel's life, Daniel believes that he is close to solving the case.

And while chasing leads and suspects, and Agatha Montgomery's missing fiance, Daniel learns of his past and his future. Before he can deal with the revelations the end of his guardianship brings, he must arrest a murderer and prove his worth as a Bow Street Runner.

As a fan of historical mysteries, what I liked most about this novel was that the mystery was the main focus rather than the romance between Juliette and Daniel. The latter developed unobtrusively as they gradually became aware of their feelings for one another.

Although I have read The Debutante Code, the first book in this series, Millstone of Doubt does very well as a standalone. There are enough references to understand the current relationships between the recurring characters and Daniel Swann's situation with his mysterious patron. However, I find it's always beneficial to start a series from the beginning, although I have jumped into some way beyond the first book. At least with this series there is only one other book to go back to read if need be.

I enjoyed this Regency mystery by Erica Vetsch. The identity of the murderer was well hidden until the reveal and following Daniel through his personal and professional dilemmas added an additional touch of suspense. The next book should be very interesting as Daniel adjusts to life without his patron.

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The author is why I chose this book, the cover pulled me in, and the story captured me fully. Great storytelling!

Thank you to Netgalley for my complimentary copy.

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Millstone of Doubt by Erica Vetsch continues the escapades of Lady Juliette Thorndike and Daniel Swann as they make an unlikely pairing in solving a mystery. It exhibits the Regency era with flair, showcasing elements of society, class, adventure, LADIES’ ARCHERY (which was particularly fun!), crime, and a bit of romance. While this is the second in a series and follows the same main protagonists as the first book, The Debutante’s Code, I think it could be read as a standalone as it does a good job filling in many events of book 1.

The mystery is one that kept me interested and guessing for most of the story, with many what-ifs and possibilities complicating the facts and setting up the reader for a romp of a final reveal. Returning side characters make the story more colorful and interesting, too, and I particularly like the cameos of the Duke of Haverly, a beloved hero from another one of Vetsch’s series.

I appreciate the relationship between Juliette and Daniel as it establishes a rapport between them, delving deeper into their friendship and connection already established. It furthers the romance and portrays it as a slow-burn type pairing, especially considering their class divide of the time period. With a few more secrets revealed about Daniel’s benefactor, I’m looking forward to seeing what happens in the next installment!

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this novel. This is my honest review.

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Oh, what a fun and thrilling read! I enjoyed every minute spent with this exciting new story - it was such a delightful treat! The writing was top notch. The characters were interesting and complex. And, the story was suspenseful with an intriguing mystery, along with a spot of romance. It was terrific! I definitely plan on reading the first book in the series, The Debutante's Code, and am really looking forward to the next book. The Thorndike & Swann Regency Mysteries series is an amazing series to get lost in - and I'm excited to get stuck in it.

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Romance, danger, and intrigue amongst a Regency era London social season bring together Bow Street detective Daniel Swan and budding debutante Lady Juliette Thorndike as agents for the British crown! This is a series that you definitely do not want to miss! I have never read Erica Vetschs work before, and I am thoroughly enjoying her writing. The Thorndike & Swan Regency Mysteries series begins with The Debutantes Code, where our hero and heroine meet and enter the Regency spy game. The promise of a sweet romance in The Debutantes Code is fulfilled in Millstone of Doubt, where we see Daniel and Juliette solve another mystery as their romance blossoms. The romantic arc for this couple spans the entire series, with introduction and attraction beginning in the first book, and romance beginning in the second book. I cannot wait for the happily ever that is sure to come in the third book! This three book romantic arc is not something I usually see, but I am enjoying it immensely. When you add plenty of suspense, action scenes, daring rescues, and mysterious circumstances, I am totally enthralled and invested. I wholeheartedly recommend this series, beginning with The Debutantes Code, to anyone who enjoy Regency era Christian fiction with an element of intrigue!

I received a copy of Millstone of Doubt from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts are my own. I really do love this series!

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A Regency mystery? This sounds like a book that is completely down my alley!
Erica Vetsch is a name that I've heard various times over recent years, but this book is my first time reading one of hers, and it definitely won't be my last!
I loved reading about and getting to know Juliette and Daniel (yes, I am well aware this is the second book in this series, and I really, definitely should have read the other one, The Debutante's Code, first. But...I ran out of time. So that one will be read in the very near future!)
In spite of me jumping right into the middle of this series, I thoroughly enjoyed the reading of this story.
The characters are charming. I enjoyed hearing bits and pieces of their back stories. Seeing how they played into the mystery happening in these pages.
You see, Juliette's friend Agatha, asks them to help her find her father, but when they go out to the mill, the first thing that happens is an explosion. And then, they find him dead.
Murder, danger, action, and so much more happens in the pages of this story.
And the setting.
What is not to love about Regency England? I always find it a delight to visit that time and place again.
I highly recommend this story to anyone that enjoys a good historical mystery!

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

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Millstone of Doubt, the second book in the Thorndike and Swann Regency series, is just as wonderful as the first. This story has it all—mystery, romance, engaging characters, a twisty plot.

The difficulty with mysteries is having the perfect amount of characters (suspects!) yet making them distinct so the reader doesn’t get confused. And this author nailed it. I was impressed by how the story unfolds and am looking forward to the next book!

*I received a copy from NetGalley. All opinions are mine.

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This is currently a DNF for me--but _only_ because it's book 2 in a series where I haven't read book 1 first (and would benefit from doing so, I think).

I picked it up primarily because of the author; I've read, and loved, other books by her. I'm sure it's great (although I'll note the writing style is a bit different from those I've read already, which can happen!)--I just felt confused and couldn't easily get into it without book 1's setting the stage first.

Not at all the author's fault; entirely mine!

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

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Millstone of Doubt is the second title in the Thorndike & Swann Regency Mysteries series by Erica Vetsch. In preparation for this review, I read the opening volume, The Debutante’s Code. This first novel tended to have more of a focus on the titular character Julianne, and I found it to be very enjoyable. The second book in the series turns the attention of the reader toward detective Daniel Swann. Unlike many sequels, Millstone of Doubt has avoided the trend of failing to live up to the standard of the first work. Now that the main characters are well established, the narrative becomes a bit more story-driven. I found it to be much more exciting, although The Debutante's Code is still a diverting initial venture. The secret agents of Julianne’s world (which now includes detective Swann) find themselves in quite a few varied situations, both secretive and dangerous. The opening calamity at the flour mill was positively riveting and visceral in its detail, and as a family member of a milling family, I loved the inclusion of this vital industry. The scientific facts surrounding the hazards of the milling process were accurate, and I eagerly shared a few passages of the book with my husband, who grew up visiting the family mill in Sanford, NC.

I enjoyed Daniel Swann’s journey as a young man, the revelation of his family's past and the wrestling he endures within his spiritual life. While I sometimes feel that the manner in which Vetsch includes matters of faith within her novels can occasionally seem forced, Daniel’s doubts and concerns seemed more organic in this novel. Possibly one of my favorite quotes of the book comes during one of the moments wherein he is receiving counsel from a mentor. Bow Street Magistrate’s investigator Ed Beck advises, “God is good regardless of your experience because the Bible says He is, and the Bible never lies. We cannot judge Scripture or what we know about God by our own experiences and emotions, because those are changeable and untrustworthy most of the time.” (p.274)

I also appreciated Ed's words on the same page when he said, "Don't blame God for the shortcomings of men. It's too easy, and it's an excuse not to be grateful for what He's given us." Although I haven't been in a "blaming God" mode recently, I have been less than grateful for certain blessings and my vision has been clouded by human shortcomings (both my own and that of others). Although Millstone of Doubt is far and away a tale of adventure and relationships, I appreciated the spiritual lessons that were presented.

Millstone of Doubt also takes a bit more time developing a romantic storyline. Lest I give anything away, I will not indicate which characters are involved in this arena. I will share that the progression of the relationship was realistic, very chaste and sweet. Like The Debutante’s Code, the content of Millstone is very family-friendly in regard to this type of content. In other areas such as violence and salty language, there is a bit more action within the story and a few details regarding some deaths that occur, but those details are kept to a minimum. To my recollection, there is absolutely no colorful language or hints of it. As it has been in the past, Erica Vetsch’s work is appropriate for just about any audience.

Millstone of Doubt opens with an explosive first act and rarely abates in intensity throughout the entire narrative. Erica Vetsch’s knowledge of the Regency period, both in its customs and vernacular is quite extensive, yet the writing style is approachable and accessible to a general readership. She has crafted a captivating world of espionage, romance, family and faith thus far in the Thorndike & Swann series. Given the manner in which Millstone of Doubt concluded, there is surely more to come for these characters. Further adventures would be a welcome thing indeed.

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Both Daniel Swann and Lady Juliette Thorndike are experiencing some difficulties in life. Daniel is a Bow Street Runner yet it seems like his employment will soon have its last day. Meanwhile, Juliette is very concerned for her friend Agatha Montgomery as her father has apparently been shot while he was at work.

Daniel is involved because there was an explosion at the mill where Agatha's father was the owner. Moreso, because the cause of her father's death suggested that the explosion might have been an attempt to hide the murder. As Daniel and Juliette have worked well together in the past, the pair find themselves working together again. Daniel is not part of the ton, yet Juliette is. While she proves instrumental to the case at hand, one thing perplexes them both - their strong attraction to one another despite their different stations in life. Any blooming romance between the too seems forever denied.

Millstone of Doubt makes a second excellent book in this historical regency cozy mystery series. I love Daniel and Juliette together while they solve cases, and with the apparent conflict when it comes to any chance at happiness between them. For the case at hand, there seems to be at least a few suspects, making the pair having a race against time as they try to solve the murder and find out who was responsible for the explosion at the mill. Great intrigue, wonderful characters, a few surprises and a delightful ending make this book thoroughly enjoyable.

Many thanks to Kregel Publications and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Please enjoy my YouTube video review as well - https://youtu.be/YR1GMX2mJvM

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I very much so enjoyed this second in the series from Erica Vetsch. It was a real adventure beginning to end. We learn a lot more about bow street runner Daniel Swann, and he was quite an honest likable character flaws and all. I look forward to book #3 by this author.
I was given an advanced copy of this book, the review and opinions stated are entirely my own.

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In The Debutante’s Code, author Erica Vetsch introduced readers to Lady Juliette Thorndike, newly returned from finishing school, and Daniel Swann, a Bow Street Runner (the first professional police force in London). Together, they work to save her parents and complete their last mission.

Millstone of Doubt picks up where its predecessor left off. Though it is the second book in the series, Millstone of Doubt is a standalone story and can be enjoyed separately. That said, it’s definitely worth reading both books in order, especially with the twist that comes at the end of the second novel.

Millstone of Doubt is an engaging mystery and chaste romance. This combination works well within the world Erica Vetsch has imagined. Of particular note is Juliette’s ability to move beyond social conventions. Her spy training not only helps the country on a large scale but allows her to feel useful and fulfilled on a personal one.

Both Daniel and Juliette are likeable characters. Again, the spy craft elements allow them to move beyond social norms and form a friendship that would never be possible otherwise. In them, Vetsch has developed two strong characters that work as well apart as they do together.

Millstone of Doubt is a fairly quick read with plenty of twists and turns to spark interest and just the right amount of slow-burn encounters to keep the romance fresh.

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Full of mystery and intrigue, this is a thrilling slow burn romance set in Regency London.

Ok, I need to be honest. This book is by a christian publishing company and I wasn’t really sure what I was getting myself into. I’m not religious myself, and have never read a lot of religious fiction (other than my odd obsession with YA amish romances in middle school, oddly enough). However, the synopsis of this book really intrigued me. I’m happy to say that I really enjoyed the story and am looking forward to more books in this series.

I’d say a good comparison to this book is the series Murdoch Mysteries. Like Murdoch, this book has a smart detective with a hapless sidekick, a young and bright woman who our detective is hopelessly in love with, and a terrific bout of mystery and adventure. I would say the religious aspects and insights would also be on par with something like the Murdoch series, where it’s a part of their life and thoughts, but not preachy. Millstone of Doubt is book two in a series, and while I had wished at times I had read the first one before this, I wasn’t completely lost. Erica gives enough bits of the backstory that I was able to understand Juliette and Daniel’s storylines.

This is a terrific regency romantic suspense story. The novel has clearly been well-researched and is well-developed and layered. There’s a whole spy to the crown angle that Juliette’s family is a part of that was just delightful to read and will clearly be a big part of Juliette’s character development going further in the series. I liked that Juliette and her mother were both spies and that the fun wasn’t just left to the men. Juliette was included, and often exceeded Daniel’s skill level in a lot of the capers they found themselves in. The murder case Daniel and Juliette end up investigating, and the mystery of Daniel’s parentage, which is a major plot point in this story, were such good and interesting suspenses. It’s been a while since I read such a delightful romantic suspense.

Juliette and Daniel are a slow burn romance. Because this is part of a series, the romance isn’t tied up into a neat bow by the end of the book but they have made progress. This is a very clean and slow romance – the most intimate part of the book is a couple of kisses. Juliette and Daniel are a delightful couple: both as partners in solving mysteries and in their blossoming romantic yearnings. Juliette is 19, and is a young and sheltered 19. I liked that Erica didn’t gloss over everything Juliette, a sheltered girl just returned from boarding school to discover a life of mystery and espionage, still had to learn in life. Juliette is naive but feisty and I really enjoyed her character growth. There’s some class struggles and strife between Lady Juliette, daughter of an Earl, and Daniel, a detective with an unknown father, that I really enjoyed because it dove into the struggles and changes of industrial England as the aristocracy was being challenged.

I’m really glad I read Millstone of Doubt. It’s a little outside of my normal romance type, but it was such a good story. I can’t wait to continue this series and follow Juliette and Daniel through more mysteries and watch how their relationship develops.

Thank you Austenprose and Kregel Publications for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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What a fabulous follow-up to The Debutante’s Code!
Millstone of Doubt brings readers from the end of book one, into a couple of weeks after Juliette and Daniel have saved the day. Daniel’s 25th birthday is quickly approaching and soon readers will learn who this mysterious benefactor is. But not until Daniel solves the murder of a well-to-do mill owner and the subsequent explosion of his factory.
Juliette carries on with her training, and gets herself into more than one predicament. Having to uphold the mask of debutante, one particular pursuer is interested in more than appearances and it proves difficult when Juliette wants to help Daniel with his investigation.
As always, Erica Vetsch delivers a delightful, Agatha Christie-esque read that will keep readers glued to the pages until the very last one. Readers will guess along with Daniel who is responsible for the murder – plenty of red herrings pepper the pages making it a challenge to solve the mystery.
Favourite characters from previous novels make appearances, though with significantly less page time. A well-thought out list of suspects create delightful tension as readers wonder along with Daniel whom is to be trusted.
A bit of a romance emerges; indicating something big is coming in the pages of the third installment of Thorndike and Swann.
And the ending?
It will leave you wishing you had the third book in hand already.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

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